Geneva is a small town of around 13,000 nestled by Seneca Lake, the largest in the Finger Lakes region. It is uncertain if the city’s name comes from Native American origins or if it is an homage to the lakeside city in Switzerland. Folks come to Geneva in the warmer months to launch boats or fish on Seneca Lake, and they tend to stay for the town’s spread of craft breweries, local restaurants and vineyards, as the Finger Lakes region is renowned for being New York’s wine country. Geneva may feel like a remote lake town, but it's equidistant from Rochester and Syracuse, so commutes to either city take around an hour, and locals tend to work many ways while living here. “It’s pretty diversified; some work remotely, some work locally, some commute to those larger cities,” says Kenneth Harris, a Geneva local and real estate salesperson with Century 21 Steve Davoli Real Estate.
Geneva is a small town of around 13,000 nestled by Seneca Lake, the largest in the Finger Lakes region.
Ventosa Vineyards is a well-known vineyard in the Finger Lakes region.
1/2
Boating and fishing is popular on Seneca Lake
“Lots of people [around New York] flock here in the summer for Seneca Lake,” says Harris. “It’s [got] motorboating, kayaking — and fishing is really popular as well.” Seneca Lake is 38 miles long and is the deepest glacial lake entirely within the state of New York. The town provides easy access to several marinas, and people often rent pontoon boats for a relaxing summer day on the water. Geneva also hosts the Seneca Yacht Club. For anglers, Seneca Lake is known as the Lake Trout Capital of the World, and the town has held the National Lake Trout Derby every spring for 60 years. The area’s flat terrain makes it a popular spot for bikers, with paths like an 80-mile loop trail around Seneca Lake.
For anglers, Seneca Lake is known as the Lake Trout Capital of the World, and the town has held the National Lake Trout Derby every spring for 60 years.
Residents of Geneva have plenty of recreational opportunities on Seneca Lake.
1/2
The Musselman Triathlon and the National Lake Trout Derby
The National Lake Trout Derby is a fishing competition in Geneva that has been going on for over 60 years. Teams of different age groups compete to catch the biggest trout, and the winners earn cash prizes. Geneva also hosts the Musselman Triathlon, part of the Ironman global series of endurance events. Triathletes run and bike through miles of Ontario County vineyards and swim in Seneca Lake, the latter's zebra mussels giving the event its punny name. There’s also the Seneca7 Race, a 7-person relay race that stretches 77.7 miles around the lake. The Geneva Lakefront Concert Series happens on Wednesday evenings from June to August for locals to listen to live music at Lakefront Park.
Geneva's downtown hosts local restaurants and wineries
Geneva’s commercial heart lies along Exchange Street and Castle Street. Dozens of diverse restaurants sit along downtown’s gridded streets in unassuming brick storefronts. The Geneva Business Improvement District and the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce work to put on events and bolster the local economy.
The city and town of Geneva have deep roots in farming and agriculture, which is reflected in the industries, institutions, and businesses that thrive here.
Geneva’s commercial heart lies along Exchange Street and Castle Street.
1/2
A market of single-family homes from the 1800s through today
Homes in Geneva range from $140,000 to $550,000, varying by square footage and remodel status. Buyers can find Postwar Cape Cods and ramblers, while large Foursquare and farmhouse-style homes are available. Duplex options are also on the market for buyers who may want to invest in them. Recent crime statistics for Geneva are not readily available.
Homebuyers in Geneva can find Postwar Cape Cods and ramblers, while large Foursquare and farmhouse-style homes are available.
Rambler-style homes in Geneva offer great value other for first-time homebuyers.
1/2
Students study at Geneva City School District
Geneva City School District supervises the public schools in Geneva and gets a B-rating from Niche. Hobart and William Smith Colleges are private, nonprofit colleges in the south end of Geneva. The schools offer over 70 academic programs for majors and minors.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges are private liberal arts colleges in Geneva, New York, and can trace it's origins to Geneva Academy established in 1797.
Geneva City School District supervises the public schools in Geneva and gets a B-rating from Niche.
1/2
Locals can reach Syracuse or Rochester in an hour
Locals can drive to any of the other Finger Lakes on U.S. route 20, which runs east to west near town. Interstate 90 is a couple miles north of Geneva, and commuters can take it 54 miles east to Syracuse or 46 miles west to Rochester. The town is at the far east end of Ontario County, but as soon as residents set foot in the lake, they are in Seneca County. Geneva also has an OurBus stop which offers rides to Rochester and Ithaca.
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Vick
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Teddy Lewandowski,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Geneva, NY sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Geneva, NY over the last 12 months is $210,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A grand opportunity awaits at 51 Sherrill Street in the heart of Geneva’s Lehigh Gardens neighborhood, a community known for its historic charm . This home, once a single-family residence, has been thoughtfully converted into a spacious two-unit property that is perfect for investors, house-hackers, or multigenerational living.The first-floor unit features a generous layout with large,
Nestled at the end of a quiet dead-end street, this delightful home offers comfort, character, and convenience in one perfect package. Begin your tour on the inviting enclosed front porch—ideal for morning coffee, evening chats, or simply unwinding in your own private retreat. Step inside to a welcoming front foyer with generous storage space, leading to an oversized living room—perfect for
A grand opportunity awaits at 51 Sherrill Street in the heart of Geneva’s Lehigh Gardens neighborhood, a community known for its historic charm . This home, once a single-family residence, has been thoughtfully converted into a spacious two-unit property that is perfect for investors, house-hackers, or multigenerational living.The first-floor unit features a generous layout with large,
Discover Your Dream Home at 499 Castle Street, Geneva, NY!Welcome to this meticulously well-maintained turn key colonial home, perfectly situated on a sprawling 0.84-acre private lot in charming Geneva. This exceptional property offers a serene escape, boasting a picturesque creek meandering through the backyard, creating a truly tranquil and secluded setting.Step inside and be captivated by the
1 bedroom (1 bed/ 1 bath) - Bottom level (4 steps down stairs) 662 square foot 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment.Spacious closets and pantry. Complete with dishwasher, electric range, refrigerator and large A/C unit installed in wall.On site washer/ dryer in laundry room with utility sink for your convenience located across hall. Spacious closets in bedroom, living room and hallway.
Modern all new 725 sq. foot apartment. Quite setting, has back deck (12' x 10'). Apartment has new carpet and tile flooring. There is a large kitchen with oak cabinets and self cleaning electric glass top range. Apartment is ground level and has good size bedroom, bathroom and living area. Parking lot for off road parking and night lighting for security. Laundry room on property. No pets or
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
